The basic idea behind any open-source project is that the code is open and available to all, with the opportunity for lots of people to contribute and collaborate. When it comes to actually getting input and contributions to a project, the voice of the user can sometimes be drowned out as vendors and code contributors get involved. It's a challenge that the OpenStack Foundation understands and is aiming to tackle this year.

"We want to make it easier for people to contribute and find more ways to get people involved besides just bringing code," Jonathan Bryce, executive director of the OpenStack Foundation, told eWEEK.

The OpenStack Foundation already has a user committee in place as part of its structure, which aims to ensure the user's voice is part of the OpenStack process. In 2014, the goal is to accelerate the manner in which user concerns and requests flow into the project and are then manifest in project blueprints and development.